it was instigated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was instigated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action or event that was initiated or provoked by someone or something. Example: "The conflict escalated because it was instigated by outside influences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Now the government must take another groundbreaking step and reveal whether there was a spy-ring and, if so, whether it was instigated by UK agents.

The Guardian

I feel very certain, though I have no proof behind it, that regardless of who burned the house it was instigated by a white power structure.

The New York Times

It was instigated by an "Orwellian" change to Samsung's privacy policy regarding its smart TVs and where the data recorded by them is sent, in this case to a third-party.

The Guardian - Tech

It was instigated by a blind gossip column item purporting to respond to a 16-word answer by Mets Manager Bobby Valentine ("Probably. The players are a diverse enough group now that I think they could handle it").

The New York Times - Sports

He drew attention to the fact that it was instigated by the warring sides themselves, but he also tried putting it in a wider context .The bigger picture is that people in conflict need hope," said Mr Haysom, a South African who happened to serve as Nelson Mandela's chief legal adviser during his presidency.

The Economist

In a statement explaining his absence, Russell Brand alluded to the film's difficult gestation – it was instigated seven years ago and saw half a dozen directors let go before Ondi Timoner, the director of the great music documentary Dig!, took the reins.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The Pentagon said it was instigating a full replacement of the ancient machines and while the entire upgrade will take longer, the crucial floppy disks should be gone by the end of next year.

The Guardian - Tech

It is instigated and directed from abroad, and carried out by outlaws in the country," it said in a statement.

Independent

This confrontation would have been less surprising had it been instigated by the third foreign-policy candidate.

The New Yorker

"This new complaint is not necessary and actually seems like it is instigated to protect particular competitors rather than the competitive process," said Samuel R. Miller, a partner at Sidley Austin in San Francisco who acted as special trial counsel for the Justice Department's first antitrust case against Microsoft.

The New York Times - Tech

In the following video they can be seen removing a security camera from the stoop of a resident's home BEFORE laying a beating on him and his friends, an assault that had it been instigated by civilians would be classified as a hate crime.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was instigated", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. Clarity is crucial, especially when the subject is implied rather than explicitly stated.

Common error

Avoid using "it was instigated" when the "it" lacks a clear and immediate antecedent in the sentence or surrounding text. This can lead to ambiguity and confusion for the reader. Always make sure the subject is evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was instigated" functions as a passive construction indicating that an action or event was initiated or brought about by an unspecified agent. This construction allows the speaker or writer to emphasize the action rather than the actor. Ludwig AI corroborates this, marking it as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was instigated" is a grammatically correct passive voice phrase used to describe actions or events that were started or provoked. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is accurate and applicable in various writing contexts. While not extremely common, it appears frequently in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, ensure the antecedent of "it" is clear and that the context aligns with the implication of something being initiated or stirred up. Alternative phrases such as "it was initiated" and "it was started" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was initiated

This alternative is a direct synonym, replacing 'instigated' with 'initiated' while maintaining the passive voice and meaning.

it was started

This alternative uses a simpler verb, 'started', to convey the same basic meaning of beginning an action or process.

it was prompted

This alternative suggests that something encouraged or caused the action to begin, implying a degree of influence.

it was triggered

This alternative implies that something acted as a catalyst, setting off a chain of events.

it was commenced

This alternative is a more formal synonym for 'started', suitable for official or academic contexts.

it was launched

This alternative is often used when referring to the start of a project, campaign, or initiative.

it was set in motion

This alternative suggests that a process was started, often with the implication of a series of subsequent actions.

it was sparked

This alternative implies a sudden and often energetic beginning, like lighting a fire.

it was brought about

This alternative indicates that something caused the event or action to happen.

it was fueled

This alternative implies that something provided the energy or impetus for the action to begin and continue.

FAQs

How can I use "it was instigated" in a sentence?

Use "it was instigated" to describe an event or action that was started or provoked by a specific cause or entity. For example, "The investigation "it was instigated" by a whistleblower's report".

What can I say instead of "it was instigated"?

You can use alternatives like "it was initiated", "it was started", or "it was prompted" depending on the context.

Is "it was instigated by" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was instigated by" is grammatically correct. The "by" preposition indicates the agent or cause that initiated the action. Example: "The conflict "it was instigated by" external forces".

What is the difference between "it was instigated" and "it was initiated"?

While both terms imply starting something, "it was initiated" is a more neutral term for beginning something. ""it was instigated"" often carries a connotation of provocation or stirring up something, potentially negative.